2025 Summer Meal Associates

Aaron, also a rising senior at Sewanee from Huntsville, Alabama, is majoring in history and plans to attend law school. This summer, he is working with the Summer Meal Program to provide meals to children who rely on school meals during the year. Drawn to AmeriCorps as a way to make a positive impact on the community during his time as a transfer student, Aaron hopes to one day contribute to the systems that support programs like AmeriCorps. He values this direct service experience as a stepping stone for his future work.

A lifelong community member, Aaron wanted to give back after returning home to pursue his master’s degree. Some of his earliest memories are of packing groceries at the Community Action Committee and helping wash dishes at the senior center during high school. “I’m excited to return to help the community on a much larger scale with these great local initiatives supported by the government and other grants!” he says.

Alana, originally from central Pennsylvania, is a junior majoring in public health. She was drawn to this service opportunity because it allows her to engage directly with the community while gaining first-hand insight into the real-world applications of her academic studies. Alana is excited to learn through experience and deepen her understanding of public health in a meaningful, community-based setting.

Arial, from Florence, Alabama, recently graduated from Stillman College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She has been admitted to the Morehouse School Bridge Master’s in Biotechnology program. Arial is passionate about public health and wellness in rural communities—a passion she discovered during her time as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. Seeing firsthand the impact of her work motivated her to take on the Community Impact Agent position in Sewanee. “As the eldest daughter and sibling, creating a legacy for not only myself, but my family is what drives me!” she says.

Avery, a political science student at American University, hails from Concord, New Hampshire. With a strong interest in government and community engagement, Avery sought out an opportunity to deepen his commitment to public service. He chose to serve in Sewanee because he wanted to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Through his AmeriCorps work, Avery is gaining valuable hands-on experience that complements his academic studies and furthers his long-term goal of pursuing a career in public service.

Bobby returned to the Mountain after previously working at the University of the South and serving one year as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. As a VISTA member, he served the residents of Grundy County in conjunction with the Grundy County Health Council. He says, "I'm very excited to be back and have the opportunity to serve again. I'm really grateful to Ashley and the Office of Community Engagement for allowing me to be a part of this."

Bobby earned his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from East West College of Natural Medicine in Sarasota, Florida, and is working toward establishing his Chinese medicine/acupuncture, massage therapy, and fitness training practice here, in hopes of offering the community additional therapies in health and wellness.

In addition, Bobby received his Master of Sport Science degree from the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Alabama. He enjoys coaching track and field and working with athletes of all levels and ages in a variety of sports. When not working, Bobby loves spending time with his dog and enjoys long hikes, sprinting, and exercise in general.

Carter, a rising senior at Sewanee from Huntsville, Alabama, is studying politics and plans to attend law school after graduation. This summer, he is working with the Summer Meal Program to help provide food to children during the summer months. Carter’s service in Sewanee stems from his love for the university and his desire to serve the surrounding communities. Motivated by a goal of gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges these communities face, he hopes to be involved in public policy in the future.

Charlotte is from Limerick, Maine, and is a junior at Sewanee pursuing an eco-bio major. This is her second term with AmeriCorps. Over the past year, she served at Discover Together, a Head Start program in Tracy City, as well as an afterschool program for high school students. She is excited to continue serving alongside programs that promote community and nature-based learning for children.

Greta, a rising junior at Sewanee from Johnson City, Tennessee, is pursuing a major in data science. Over the past two years, she has grown deeply connected to the Sewanee community, both through her academic journey and the relationships she has built on the Mountain. Wanting to give back to the place that has given her so much, Greta joined AmeriCorps as a way to serve and uplift the local community. Through her service, she is not only making a meaningful and positive impact, but also gaining valuable experience that bridges her academic interests with real-world problem-solving and community engagement.

Anna, originally from Michigan, is a recent graduate of Purdue University, where she majored in food science with a minor in anthropology. This fall, she will begin graduate studies in food science. Anna was drawn to the South Cumberland Plateau to learn more about Appalachian culture and to serve the community through the Summer Meal Program, which addresses childhood food insecurity. Her long-term goal is to contribute to a more sustainable food system in the U.S. and to ensure access to safe food for all.

Jonathan, from Cleveland, Tennessee, is studying both physics and mechanical engineering. He enjoys engaging in service work because he values doing his part to make a positive difference in the community. This summer, Jonathan is working on the University Farm in Sewanee, where he will be involved in gardening, caring for goats, and contributing to the farm’s sustainable practices.

Julie, a rising junior at Sewanee from Atlanta, Georgia, is majoring in politics with a minor in international and global studies. Eager to better understand and engage with the surrounding community, she is serving with the Sewanee Office of Civic Engagement. Through AmeriCorps, she is excited to strengthen connections and support impactful community initiatives. Julie is driven by her desire to create authentic relationships and make a positive difference in the lives of those around her.

Lizzy, a rising senior at Sewanee from Savannah, Georgia, is majoring in international and global studies with minors in rhetoric and dance. She was drawn to service on the South Cumberland Plateau to learn more about the region and its people. Lizzy is working with the SCP AmeriCorps Summer Meal Program to help market and advertise local programs, collaborating with newspapers to spread the word. Motivated by curiosity about the unique stories and backgrounds of others, Lizzy is passionate about making meaningful connections within her community.

Luoyan is from Kentucky, where she is majoring in elementary education (P–5). This is her first year working with the Sewanee AmeriCorps summer program as both a volunteer and an AmeriCorps member. She was inspired by the opportunities to help others in the Sewanee community through the Summer Meal Program, youth development, and other initiatives. “Because I love to serve people in my own community and other communities, this is a wonderful way to give back to the society we live in today!” she says.

Marte is finishing up her major in international and global studies at Sewanee. Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, she has lived in five different states and moved frequently growing up. Early on, she noticed a disconnect between places and people and aspired to bridge that gap. At Sewanee, she initially felt disconnected from the surrounding community. A service program with Mountain T.O.P. in Grundy County during her first year sparked her interest in local engagement. Through AmeriCorps, her mission is to spread love through community and build personal connections with people around Sewanee and beyond. “I’m dedicated to helping others and my own personal growth throughout this summer,” she says.

Meghan, a rising junior at Sewanee from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is studying psychology and math. Grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that has given her so much, Meghan is working with the AmeriCorps Summer Meal Program to address food insecurity and prevent the summer slide. Eager to step outside the “Sewanee bubble,” she looks forward to better understanding the challenges faced by low-income families. She believes that community service and civic engagement are essential to achieving a more equitable future.

Nicc, originally from Madisonville, Kentucky, is studying to become a social worker. They were drawn to the South Cumberland Plateau for its proximity—and because someone special inspired them to make a difference in Tennessee. This summer, they’re part of the summer meal program, where their site provides meals to families with children who might otherwise go without during the school break.

Parker, from Atlanta, Georgia, is a rising senior at the University of the South, where she studies international and global studies and minors in rhetoric and politics. Wanting to step outside the Sewanee campus experience, Parker was drawn to serve in the surrounding area to better understand the challenges faced by the broader community. She joined the SCP Summer Meal Program as a way to connect with Sewanee and Grundy County beyond the classroom. The program offered a meaningful opportunity to support local families, respond to a real need, and learn more about the everyday realities people in the area experience. Hearing firsthand how much the program impacts others inspired Parker to take an active role in giving back and becoming more engaged in the place she’s called home during her time at Sewanee.

Shannon, from Parrottsville, Tennessee, studies environmental science at Walters State Community College. Her passion for creating a greener, healthier, and more sustainable world drives her to serve with AmeriCorps. She believes that the responsibility to both people and the environment is vital to the future and is committed to using her time in service to help build a better world.

Sofia, from Tracy City, Tennessee, is working toward her goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist. With years of volunteer experience, she has developed a strong passion for helping others overcome challenges. Her connection to the community and the SCP AmeriCorps Summer Meal Program inspired her to join in hopes of making a meaningful impact in the lives of those around her.

Tammie is a graduate of Chattanooga State Community College with an associate degree in psychology and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A passionate advocate for substance abuse recovery, Tammie has spent years volunteering with local agencies and is driven by a desire to make a difference in her community. She says, “I love working for AmeriCorps. This is my third year, and it has brought me closer to my community and my dreams to inspire and lift up people.”

Wrenna is a rising junior at Sewanee from Knoxville, Tennessee, majoring in biochemistry with plans to pursue a pre-physician assistant track. Her time at Sewanee has sparked a deeper interest in the surrounding communities and their needs, particularly in supporting the mental and physical health of all ages. Through her service, Wrenna hopes to contribute to the well-being of others while gaining a deeper understanding of the strengths and challenges of rural communities.